FLINT, Michigan — Detroit native Kirby Gwen is the bubbly new on-air personality at Flint’s Z92.7 WDZZ-FM and she's using her platform to help bring positive change to the community. Growing up on Detroit's Eastside, Gwen graduated from Specs Howard School of Media Arts and garnered over ten years of experience in broadcasting.
Her mission to remain true to the craft helped her achieve top ratings in her segments and allowed her to use her radio and social media platforms to advocate for causes she's passionate about. One of those causes, in particular, is mental health and wellness as Gwen has partnered with multiple organizations to provide resources to those in need.
On the air, Gwen is an energetic force that brings the wit and charm in between delivering breaking news, chatting it up with cultural icons, and creating a fun space for afternoon radio listeners. In a recent interview with Flintside, the 'radio personality of the people' discussed how she landed her position at Flint's beloved radio station, how she's been handling her experience so far, and who her favorite radio personality is.
Flintside: Just want to start off by saying congratulations on your new position! How did you end up on the airwaves at WDZZ?
Kirby Gwen: "Landing my position with WDZZ was definitely in divine order! I had just recently been let go or as I like to say “released to find my next dream.” I was honest with myself that I didn’t want to just jump into another role in radio right away. I took a few months to just reflect, to get to know myself a little better, and do a lot of much-needed self-care. Once I re-emerged from my little cocoon and started to look at what opportunities were available, I ended up getting a call from August [Wallace] at WDZZ.
It’s so funny how small this industry really is. Although August and I had never worked together until now, we’d met through a label rep at what I believe was a TGT concert. On the call, August told me that they were looking for an afternoon drive talent and asked if I’d be interested in applying for the position. Almost instantly, my heart leaped. Flint becoming my new home felt very much in alignment with my next chapter, and so far, I’d say my intuition was correct!"
Flintside: How has your experience at the station been so far?
Kirby Gwen: "When I think about how my experience has been at WDZZ so far, one word comes to mind: refreshing. I’ve been broadcasting for over a decade and I’ve worked just about every daypart and position but this feels like one of the first times I have truly been the captain of my own ship. My current management team has been so incredibly gracious and supportive with allowing me to manifest my vision of what I believe my show should be."
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Kirby Gwen.
Flintside: Did you listen to WDZZ growing up?
Kirby Gwen: "So, it wasn’t until about 2008 when a lot of my friends started to throw various parties and shows in Flint that I really became acquainted with WDZZ. I loved how much fun energy the jocks radiated and I admired just how clear it was that Z92.7 was connected to the community."
Flintside: Who is your favorite radio personality?
Kirby Gwen: "To be honest it’s really hard to pick a favorite. There are so many people who’ve inspired me throughout my journey. I will say I am highly motivated by the incredible work my fellow radio sisters are doing. It can often feel like an uphill battle to be a woman in this game that’s dominated by so much masculine energy.
I have such an immense amount of love and respect for every woman who cracks the mic and shares her voice with the world. Every woman who wakes up and despite what’s happening in her personal life rises to the occasion, ready to show prep, connect, and be vulnerable with her community. That is my favorite radio personality."
To stay connected with Kirby Gwen, catch her on Z92.7 WDZZ-FM from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m, and follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
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